Our cars have us seeing triple

I’ve never considered myself much of a trendsetter, especially when it come to automobiles. For me, cars are just a simple conveyance, a means of getting you from point A to points B,C, D and back again. I couldn’t care less about the make or model or what color it is. I just want something reliable and safe enough so I’m not constantly going back to the auto mechanic and getting random parts fixed or replaced. As long as I can play music, roll down the windows and enjoy heat and air conditioning, I’m usually content.

Lately, though, it seems like I may have inadvertently started a trend among my fellow employees here at the TP Printing Company. At the very end of last year, ace reporter Ross Pattermann bought himself a 2017 Hyundai Accent after finally unburdening himself of that SUV money pit he had for years. Right away, I couldn’t help but notice the similarities between his Accent and my 2008 Nissan Versa. They’re both short and squat, with almost a rounded quality to them, as if someone started making one of those old Volkswagen Bugs and then settled for a more conventional looking sedan. And, of course, both of them are a dullish shade of grey, so instead of a bug, you can just call them mice with wheels.

Then, in April, our other co-worker, Casey Krautkramer at The Record-Review, went out and bought himself a 2017 Nissan Versa. Just guess what the color is.

This has caused some confusion among the three of us when we head out into the parking lot. Casey admitted that he actually got inside Ross’s car and sat in the driver’s seat before he realized he was in the wrong car. Both Ross and I have started walking toward each other’s car at some point, only to change course when we realized we were headed toward someone else’s vehicle. Thankfully, there are little telltale signs, such as the dealership stickers, that can snap you to attention and make you realize your mistake.

I have to point out, in an ironically braggadocios sort of way, that I was the first to buy the short grey car with a low roof and great gas mileage. I’ve actually had my ‘08 Versa since 2011, just after my own money-guzzling SUV finally ran me out of patience. I’ve never regretted the decision. Besides the aforementioned great gas mileage, my Versa is relatively low maintenance. Yes, I still have to replace parts here and there, and there’s a mysterious bumping sound that comes and goes, but overall, I’m happy with my stubby little mouse of a car.

Perhaps there is something about this type of car that appeals specifi cally to small-town male journalists. I think the size says it all. These compact sedans offer plenty of space for guys who usually only have one passenger at most. The interior is small enough so you don’t have to reach very far for a notebook, stray pen or a camera bag. According to Ross, the biggest downside to the small size is that you get buffeted by high winds whenever you’re out on the highway during a blustery day. I can attest to that; sometimes it feels like you’re in a rowboat on the open ocean.

So, if you happen to pass three almost identical looking grey cars in Abbotsford, don’t worry. You’re not hallucinating. The three of us are just on our lunch break.

OUT FOR A WALK

KEVIN O’BRIEN

EDITOR